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The Special Needs Registry is for residents of the City of Hemet. It is designed to assist the Police Department during contacts with members of the community who have disabilities such as, but not limited to; Autism, Schizophrenia, Dementia, deafness or any other mental / developmental disabilities.

The registry promotes communication and gives police quick access to critical information about a registered person with special needs. The Registry can provide police with emergency contact information, detailed physical descriptions, known routines, favorite attractions, or special needs of the individual who is registered. This information can assist officers in communicating with, locating a residence for, or handling an emergency involving an individual with special needs.

GOAL OF THE PROGRAM:

The goal of the program is to give police quick access to critical information about a registered individual with special needs in the community in an emergency situation.

REGISTER ANNUALLY:

We ask that you or your loved one register annually. This will assist us if something changes and gives us access to an updated photo. We suggest using the birthdate of your loved one as a registration reminder.

HOW DO I REGISTER?

Download, complete, and print the form. Blank forms are also available at any of the Hemet Police Department Stations. Attach a current photo of the person being registered to the printed form. Passport-style (from the shoulders up) photos work best. You can then either US Mail, E-Mail, or drop off the completed form at the locations listed below.Hemet Police Department - Main Station Lobby450 E. Latham Ave.
Hemet, CA 92543

E-Mail: Attach the form and a .jpg image of the registered person to the e-mail message. Please include "Special Needs Registry" in the subject box. Note: Passport-style (from the shoulders up) photos work best and the form should be submitted in WORD or PDF format.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the Special Needs Registry?

The registry promotes communication and gives police quick access to critical information about a registered person with disabilities in a police emergency by capturing information such as a full description, routine/favorite attractions, communication, emergency contact information, as well as other special needs the registered person may require.

Who is eligible?

The registry has been developed with the intent to serve all members of our community who may find their communication abilities challenged or ineffective when interacting with police.

If I don't live in the City of Hemet, can I still register my child/dependent adult on the registry?

If the registrant is not living in the City of Hemet, there is no benefit to registering. The registration is tied to a specific address in our Computer Aided Dispatch system.

Can I submit my form & photo on-line?

Not directly. Due to web-site host restrictions, we are unable to accept on-line submissions. You can, however, e-mail the information per the instructions above.

As soon as I send the registration, will the information be immediately available in case police response is required?

No. The registration form will need to be entered in order to capture all relevant information. The may take up to two (2) weeks to be fully processed.

Who has access to my loved ones profile?

Hemet Police Personnel who require this information in the performance of their duties will have access to the information. There are strict regulations with respect to accessing and disseminating information.

Can I update my profile more than every year if there are changes? How do I do that?

You may, however, only information that has a significant impact on policing response will be necessary. Some examples would include a change in address, school, or emergency contact. We recommend you download and complete a new form with an updated photo if possible.

Will I be notified when the annual renewal is required?

No. The renewals are the sole responsibility of the parent/guardian. It is recommended that you renew the registration during the month of the registrant’s birthday.

After my child/dependent adult is registered, and if there is an incident, do I need to do something to notify the police?

Yes, please let the dispatcher know that the individual is registered. In doing so, the information will be immediately disseminated to the officers.

How will this registry help if my child/dependent adult goes missing?

If the individual goes missing and is reported by the parent/guardian, information about his/her physical appearance, the most likely places where he/she would go to, as well as triggers, stimulants, and de-escalation techniques will be sent to every police officer and police volunteer in the area to look for the missing person.

What guarantees do we have that the interaction between our child/dependent adult and the police will be positive once he/she is registered?

What the registry allows is the ability for patrol officers to have necessary & additional information faster to begin searching. Also, if an officer comes across a lost person who is unable to communicate, the officer, if they are able to recognize the condition, can have the database queried for persons on the registry that live in the area.

What is important to remember is that simply having a person in the registry is not necessarily going to change police response in every instance involving an individual with special needs. Police will act according to policy, procedure, and best practice depending on the circumstances presented. Additionally, an individual with special needs can still be arrested, should he or she break the law. In that case, being registered will assist police in contacting family.